Group tour – Snorkeling by speeboat in Phu Quoc island

Planning a day of snorkeling around Phu Quoc’s islands can sound like a perfect escape, but not all tours deliver on expectations. This particular speedboat trip promises island hopping, snorkeling at three islets, and a lunch break—all for around $31 per person. But what’s it really like? We’ve sifted through reviews, itineraries, and the experience details to give you an honest look.

What we like about this tour includes the opportunity to visit multiple islands with snorkeling, the provision of bottled water, and the presence of an English-speaking guide. It’s a straightforward trip that aims to cover significant ground in a single day.

However, a notable downside is the limited time at each snorkeling stop and the unexpectedly long wait at the lunch island, which many travelers found frustrating. If you’re after a leisurely, immersive snorkeling experience, this might not be your best pick.

This tour could suit travelers on a tight schedule or budget, especially those who just want a quick overview of the island archipelago and are happy with short snorkeling sessions. If you value depth and quality over quantity, keep reading for a detailed breakdown.

Key Points

• Budget-friendly option with a focus on multiple island stops.
• Short snorkeling sessions may leave you wanting more underwater exploration.
• Long wait at lunch island can reduce overall enjoyment.
• Group size is capped at 30 travelers, making it somewhat intimate.
• Transport and convenience are covered with pickup and air-conditioned vehicles.
• Mixed reviews highlight variability in experience quality.

How the Tour Is Structured

This tour kicks off early, with a hotel pickup at 8:00 am, simplifying the logistics. You’ll then head to the port, arriving around 9:00 am, where the adventure begins aboard a speedboat exploring the An Thoi archipelago.

First Stop: Gam Ghi Island

The first snorkeling spot is Gam Ghi Island, where you’ll spend about 45 minutes in the water. The main highlight here is the coral reef, which promises some decent underwater scenery. The review mentions that admission to the snorkeling site is included, so no surprises there. Expect to see coral formations and possibly some fish, but don’t expect an underwater spectacle to last long.

Second Stop: Fingernail Island (Fingernail Island)

Next, you’ll visit Fingernail Island (often referred to as “Fingernail Island” in reviews). Another 45-minute snorkeling session is scheduled. While the name sparks curiosity, the review cautions that water visibility and marine life at the second stop are underwhelming in comparison to other snorkel spots. The snorkeling here is described as “not much to see,” which might be disappointing if underwater exploration is your main goal.

Third Stop: May Rut Island

The final island is May Rut, where you’ll spend about two hours. This break is primarily for checking in, relaxing, and having lunch. Here, travelers can enjoy some downtime and perhaps grab a quick swim or explore the island’s surroundings. The included lunch is served during this period, but reviews indicate that this is the only substantial activity during the stop.

Water Sports and Extra Activities

Post-lunch, there’s an opportunity for water sports like flyboard, jet skiing, and parasailing—though these are self-funded. This flexibility allows those interested in more adrenaline to extend their experience. However, since these are optional and at extra cost, they can add to your overall expenses.

Return Journey

By around 3:00 pm, the boat heads back to An Thoi port, and the group is transferred back to your hotel, wrapping up an approximately 7 to 8-hour day.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Transportation and Group Size

The trip includes an air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and drop-off, which is a nice touch considering the tropical heat and potentially long transfer times. With a maximum of 30 travelers, the group size is kept manageable, avoiding the chaos of large tours. That said, reviews suggest that the experience can be hit-or-miss depending on the guide and the weather.

The Snorkeling Experience

One of the most critical aspects for many travelers is the snorkeling itself. The first stop, Gam Ghi Island, offers coral reefs that are appealing, but the short 45-minute window might leave snorkeling enthusiasts wanting more. The second stop, Fingernail Island, is less rewarding, with minimal marine life and limited underwater sights as per the review stating, “there was very little to see at the last two snorkeling sites.”

This is an important consideration if your priority is marine exploration. It seems the tour prioritizes covering multiple islands rather than immersing in underwater life.

The Lunch Break and Island Relaxation

The lunch in May Rut Island is a highlight for some, offering a chance to relax after snorkeling. However, the review by Kylie_M describes it as “a waste of a day,” with a 3.5-hour wait at the lunch island and only about 30 minutes allocated to each snorkeling stop afterward. If a leisurely pace and extensive underwater time are your preferences, this might not meet expectations.

Extra Water Sports and Activities

Post-lunch, there’s optional fun with flyboard, jet skiing, and parasailing. These activities are not included in the main price and require extra funds. For those who want a quick adrenaline shot, they could be appealing, but keep in mind they will add to the total cost and require extra planning.

Weather and Cancellation

The tour is weather-dependent, and if rain or storms interfere, you might find your plans canceled or rescheduled. The policy offers full refunds if canceled due to bad weather, which provides some peace of mind.

Value for Money and Practical Considerations

At $31 per person, this tour is quite affordable, especially considering the inclusion of transportation, guide, bottled water, and lunch. However, the short snorkeling sessions and the long wait at the lunch island can make the overall experience feel rushed and somewhat underwhelming.

In terms of value, if you’re after a quick overview of the islands and don’t mind limited underwater exploration, this could fit your needs. But for those seeking a more immersive snorkeling adventure, you might find this tour lacking.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for budget travelers or those who want a short, guided island-hopping experience with basic snorkeling. Families or groups wanting a hassle-free day with included lunch and transportation are also suitable. However, serious snorkelers or marine life enthusiasts may prefer a more dedicated or longer snorkeling trip to get deeper underwater.

Final Thoughts

This speeboat island-hopping tour in Phu Quoc offers a quick, budget-friendly snapshot of the archipelago. While it ticks boxes in convenience and cost, it might fall short if your priority is quality snorkeling or a relaxed pace. The long wait at the lunch island and brief snorkel stops stand out as notable drawbacks, but the included transport and guide are definite pluses.

If you’re looking for a simple, uncomplicated day with some island scenery and light water activities, this trip could suit you. But if underwater exploration is your passion, consider other options that offer longer, more immersive snorkeling experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and drop-off from your hotel, which makes logistics straightforward.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins with hotel pickup at 8:00 am, and you’ll arrive at the port around 9:00 am to start the boat journey.

How long is the snorkeling at each island?
You’ll get about 45 minutes of snorkeling at Gam Ghi Island and Fingernail Island, with the last island offering only about 30 minutes for snorkeling after lunch.

What is the main focus of this tour?
It’s primarily a sightseeing and island-hopping trip with snorkeling as a highlight, but the experience tends to be short and somewhat rushed.

Are water sports included?
No, water sports like flyboard and jet skiing are optional extras that you can pay for separately.

What do reviews say about the experience?
One traveler called it “the worst snorkeling tour I’ve been on,” citing long waits, limited underwater sights, and a focus on sightseeing rather than snorkeling.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled 24 hours in advance, thanks to a flexible policy that considers weather conditions.

If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly tour that hits several islands with some snorkeling, this trip might work. But for a more immersive or leisurely experience, explore other options to get the most out of your time in Phu Quoc.